Pittsburgh Workers Compensation ATTORNEYS

Worker's Comp Lawyers Serving Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Workers' Compensation Lawyer

The personal injury law firm of J. P. Ward & Associates has more than 35 years of experience successfully representing injured workers in Pittsburgh, PA, and other areas of Western Pennsylvania. Our responsive lawyers have a stellar reputation, strong ties to the community, and vast knowledge of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. We have earned millions of dollars in workers’ comp claim settlements for our clients over the years. 

To find a workplace injury lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA, who cares about you and will take the time to address your concerns about your Pittsburgh workers’ compensation claim, call our office today. The legal process for workers’ comp benefits can be complicated, and we aim to make your journey through the workers’ compensation system as easy as possible.

What Is Workers' Compensation?

Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, workers covered by the laws receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages resulting directly from work-related injuries. The injury doesn’t have to be your employer’s fault, but you must report the personal injury to your company within 120 days. After that, the company will forward your report to its insurance company. 

This sounds simple, but that is rarely the case. Employers can dispute your claim, try to modify the terms of your coverage, or their insurance company can deny the claim altogether. This complexity is why it is wise to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, on your side. 

At J.P. Ward & Associates, we work on a contingency basis. This means that if you don’t win a settlement for your workers’ compensation claim, you don’t owe us any money. Our Pittsburgh, PA, workers’ compensation attorneys will work hard to help you make the right decisions as you make your way through the workers’ compensation system.

Awards & Memberships

If I Am Legally Entitled To Compensation, Why Do I Need A Lawyer?

While it seems only right that you should receive compensation according to the law, the process isn’t always so simple in practice. It’s easy to miss out on some of the benefits that should come to you. At J. P. Ward & Associates, our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyers understand the intricate rules of the compensation process. We will pursue federal, state, and private insurance benefits to compensate you and your family for:

  • Unemployment losses
  • Other specific losses
  • Medical costs
  • Disability
  • Death 

Should I Make A Personal Injury Or A Workers' Compensation Claim?

These two types of claims are closely related, and sometimes you can claim for more than one of them. Almost every worker in Pennsylvania is entitled to receive compensation benefits, even when they are at fault in the accident. 

On the other hand, personal injury claims are fault-based. You can’t claim for personal injury if you caused the accident. However, you might be able to add a personal injury to workers’ compensation if the accident (and the resulting workplace injury) was the fault of your employer. Third-party claims can enable you to receive workers’ compensation benefits for things like pain and suffering and potential lost income in the future because of the injury. 

Consulting a Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyer is the easiest way to understand what you should be claiming for and how to make your claim. Contact our Pittsburgh, PA, law offices today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your workplace injuries.

How Long Will My Claim Take To Settle?

Length of time until settlement depends on many factors. Straightforward workers’ compensation claims are typically settled quickly, with medical benefits immediately. 

Personal injury and third-party claims can be complicated, and some take years to settle. The experienced Pittsburgh workers’ comp lawyers at J.P. Ward & Associates are here to help injured workers at every stage of the process, no matter how long it takes. 

When Will My Workers' Compensation Run Out?

Your workers’ compensation benefits should last as long as your workplace injury prevents you from working. The benefit doesn’t run out; however, after two months of compensation, your employer can request that a doctor reevaluate your medical status. The doctor might deem you ready to return to work before you are or decide you are fit enough to work part-time. Alternately, your benefits could change. 

No one knows your body as well as you do. Experienced Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorneys will work hard to protect your rights, preserve your benefits, and give you the time you need to recover from your workplace injuries.  

If your employer has already changed or terminated your workers’ compensation benefits, call our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyers today to see how we might be able to help restore your benefits. 

Lump-sum Or Regular Benefits: Which Is Best?

The decision about receiving workers’ compensation benefits depends on your circumstance. After four months of workers’ compensation, most people can apply for a lump sum settlement. This is a great idea for some injured workers, but it might not be a wise move for others. 

A lump-sum settlement for your workplace injury might seem like a lot in the short term, but the funds may run out while you still need financial assistance. If, for example, your injury is likely to get worse or if you will need future medical treatment because of the injury, you want to be sure money will continue to be available.  

Attempting to make this critical decision without help can give insurance companies a definite advantage over injured workers. Remember, they are working for their clients, not you. The workers’ compensation lawyers at J. P. Ward & Associates will make sure you understand your options and what they will mean to your long-term financial security. Our personal injury attorneys will help injured workers choose rights for their workers’ comp cases.

Contact Our Office Today

An accident at work can happen to anyone. Most people are entitled to compensation, whether or not they are at fault. If your workplace has been negligent, you might be entitled to even more benefits. Working with a Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorney from J. P. Ward & Associates can make a complicated process much easier and help you get the maximum compensation for your claim. 

With more than 35 years of experience helping our neighbors in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, you can rely on our super lawyers to guide you in every step of the claims process.

Call our law firm today. A team of lawyers from one of the best law firms recognized by the Allegheny County Bar Association is standing by to answer your questions and help you understand how to receive the workers’ compensation to which you are entitled.